Philadelphia Eagles take Iowa guard Julian Vandervelde

Iowa guard Julian Vandervelde was selected in the fifth round ( 161 overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday in the NFL draft.

Vandevelde, a Davenport native, started 37 games over four seasons for the Hawkeyes at guard. Vandervelde, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 301 pounds. Vandervelde is well-schooled in the NFL's zone-blocking scheme based on his career in Iowa.

Philadelphia had several issues along the offensive line and drafted a guard, Baylor's Danny Watkins, in the first round.

"Quick off the ball, very well-coached there as most Iowa offensive linemen are," ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said. "He's an underrated offensive guard. It hink at the very least you get a versatile interior player that can play both guard positions, maybe even some center."

McShay was chided by his colleagues because he had Vandervelde pegged as his "Mr. Irrelevant," which goes to the draft's final pick.